Popular Woodworking 2008-04 № 168, страница 64
Two clamps, two coins. I always double-clamp my stop to keep it in place in case my work gets kicked by the saw. The coins (removed after clamping) raise the stop to help with dust removal. will allow you to pull the blade handle away from your body. Make sure there is nothing in the path of the blade that you don't want to cut (cords, a push stick, off-fall, fingers and so on). Never overreach, and always make sure your footing is secure. 5. Always follow the 12" and 3" rules (discussed in part 1 of this series, "Learn the Skills to be Safe") and be mindful of your control surfaces. Never cut freehand or cut wood without using the fence or the table as your control surfaces. 6. Always start the saw in the uppermost position. Let the motor run up to full speed before bringing the blade into contact, and never force the blade during the cut. Use a controlled and consistent motion. Never start the saw with the blade against the workpiece. 7. Once the cut has been made, keep the blade down and in the pocket, and then let off the trigger. Make sure the blade comes to a full stop before lifting the blade up. This is by far the most important safety issue with running a power miter saw. Force yourself to develop this habit. It will eliminate almost all hazards with this machine. 8. Never attempt to remove small pieces while the blade is coming to a stop in the pocket. Never stick your hand in the guard or around the blade. Never reach around the saw. If it is necessary to touch the blade or the inside of the guard housing, or to reach around the saw, unplug the saw first. 9. When the workpiece is too large or too small, make sure you use appro 54 ■ Popular Woodworking April 2008 MX priate clamping or hold-down devices. All work must be supported either on its face or edge. 10. Always position your body to give you the best view and the safest grip. Remember: The machine is ambidextrous, either hand can be used to run the trigger and grip of the tool. 11. Do not become distracted; concentrate on the process of the cut and the action that is taking place. 12. Make sure that the table's locking mechanism (if the machine has one) is tightened and secured before you make any cut. 13. At all times, you should use either a good vacuum system or the dust-collection system that came with the machine. 14. If you are using a stop-block for production cutting, make sure that you hold or clamp the workpiece between the blade and the stop-block. It's this piece that can bind between the blade and stop if it moves. Keep a firm grip on this piece until the blade stops. And don't forget to use two clamps on your stop-block, which will keep the stop in place if your work kicks. 15. There is no substitute for common sense. Remember that these are only general guidelines and that you should stop using your saw at any sign of abnormality. PW Marc Adams is the founder of the Marc Adams School of Woodworking in Franklin, Ind., one of the largest woodworking schools in the world. For details, visit marcadams.com or call 317535-4013. Work with More Accuracy (and Safety) in your Woodshop The best way to use your machines is rarely explained in the manual. Find out how to operate machines to get accurate results without sacrificing safety. • Part 4 Miter Saws Stock miter saws can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Marc shows how to make safe and accurate cuts. IN FUTURE ISSUES • Part 5 Band Saws Band saws are safe if used correctly; however it's easy to step over the line and get bit. • Part 6 Planers Powered planers seem like safe machines until you start testing their limits. • Part 7 Table Saws The fundamental skills to get good (and safe) results with one of the most important woodworking machines. IN PAST ISSUES • Part 1 Learn the Skills to be Safe The groundwork for a lifetime of accurate woodworking is to understand your tools. • Part 2 Practical Safety Devices Choose the right guards, push sticks and hold-downs to work safe. • Part 3 Power Jointers Most people use their jointers wrong, resulting in warped stock and unsafe operations. B>»« iB "VOODWu ] ^JJW" |
